How is an extended star topology described?

An extended star topology is characterized by its structure where end devices connect to a central intermediate device, which can further connect to other central devices. This approach allows for scalability, as additional intermediate devices can be added to accommodate more end devices without disrupting the existing network.

In an extended star topology, the central intermediate device—such as a switch—handles traffic between various segments of the network, allowing for efficient communication and management. It also provides a level of redundancy and segmentation, which enhances network performance and fault tolerance. Thus, if one segment goes down, it does not necessarily bring down the entire network, making it a robust choice for larger, more complex networking scenarios.

This understanding of the structure and benefits of an extended star topology clarifies why the selected answer accurately reflects its definition in networking contexts.